NationalGrid: Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Alert: Important safety information for our customers. To view this email as a web page, click here.

Hurricane Season: What you can do to prepare As our country deals with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and for the potential of an even stronger storm, we'd like to remind our customers about the importance of planning ahead. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and National Grid is encouraging our customers to take action and be prepared, as severe storms continue to disrupt daily life and put more lives at risk. Safety is National Grid's number one priority, and we want to ensure customers properly prepare to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities. How National Grid Restores Power How to Prepare for an Emergency Build an emergency supply kit. Water, nonperishable food, first aid materials, prescriptions, flashlight, batteries and a battery-powered radio are critical items to have in an emergency supply toolkit. A well-thought-out emergency plan and a fully stocked toolkit could mean the difference between life and death. Plan your locations. Emergencies and disasters occur without warning, making it important to have a plan and the supplies you will need for the different locations you and your family frequent beyond your home: work, school, vehicles, places of worship, for example, along with shopping areas and entertainment/sports sites such as theaters, ball fields and arenas. How will you get to a safe place? How will you contact one another? How will you get back together, if separated? These are all important questions to consider when creating your plan. Anticipate your risks. Think about where you live and identify the hazards that have happened or could occur in your area. Residents in areas that usually receive significant snowfall might plan more for snowstorms, while residents who live along the coast may be more affected by hurricanes. Depending upon the nature of the emergency and your circumstances, one of the first important decisions to make is whether to stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. No matter where you live, make sure you plan accordingly. Know your community's plan. Find out from local government how it communicates with residents in an emergency. This could be in the form of radio/TV broadcasts, telephone, door-to-door notifications or a community siren. Get informed now so you can stay informed when it counts. Stay connected to National Grid. Online at www.nationalgridus.com, complete information on managing storms and outages is available. Under our Storms and Outage page, National Grid's provides customers with easy tools for reporting and checking the status of an outage, power outage maps and important safety tips. Customers can opt-in to receive broadcast text alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). For the latest storm updates, follow National Grid on Twitter @nationalgridus and connect with us on Facebook. Get Involved National Grid works closely with the American Red Cross to prepare the communities we serve for natural disasters. As part of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, National Grid operates behind the scenes with the Red Cross and first responders to address the basic needs of our customers, such as food, shelter and water, during an emergency. The Annual Disaster Giving Program allows the Red Cross to help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters. With support from National Grid and other companies, the Red Cross is able to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters each year. Recently, National Grid pledged an additional $100,000 to the Red Cross to aid in responding to Hurricane Harvey. We encourage customers to find volunteer opportunities to support community readiness. Taking an active role in community planning and preparation, supporting relief efforts, and donating funds or goods when you are able can help your neighbors in times of disaster. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.

©2017 National Grid This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/8/17 - THU 9/14/17

FRIDAY 9/8/17
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
6:30pm   Yoga @ La Cantina Winery
7-9pm   Celebrate Downtown Franklin with Fiori, Sweet and Savory, Little Shop of Olive Oils, Teddy Gallagher, Hair and Nail It @ Downtown Franklin

SATURDAY 9/9/17
8-10am   Dog Park Clean Up @ Dacey Community Field
9-11am   Remembering 9/11 (placing flags) @ Elks Lodge - community is welcome
10am-2pm   FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Tinkergarten Free Trial Class (sign up at https://www.tinkergarten.com/leaders/nancy.hayden)
6-8pm   Exploring Organic Wines with Franklin Wine Club @ Franklin Liquors

SUNDAY 9/10/17
8:30am-9pm   Franklin Federated Church Rally Day @ Franklin Federated Church
12:00 - 2:00pm   Walk on Town Common for World Suicide Prevention Day
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 9/11/17
6pm   11th Annual 9/11 Tribute Dinner for military members and families @ DoubleTree by Hilton in Milford
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 9/12/17
10am   Tinkergarten Free Trial Class - visit https://www.tinkergarten.com/leaders/nancy.hayden for details
12pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon @ Dean College Campus Dining Center
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting @ Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 9/13/17
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends  Club Meeting @ 3 Restaurant
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today - Laughter Yoga @ FUSF

THURSDAY 9/14/17
10am   Tinkergarten Free Trial Class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm (sign up at https://www.tinkergarten.com/leaders/nancy.hayden)
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6:30pm   Wines of Sicily Seminar @ Pour Richard’s
7pm   Italian Wines Tasting/Education @ Franklin Liquors
7-8:30pm   2017 High School Fair @ BFCCPS. All area 8th graders and their caregivers are welcome.
7pm   Cultural Council Grant Workshop @ Town of Franklin Municipal Building
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Franklin Public Schools: Letter of Inclusivity

Dear Franklin Community,

Each school year is a fresh start and as always we are excited to begin this new year. However, the entire administrative team of the Franklin Public Schools would be remiss if we did not share how recent events have caused us to reflect on acts of intolerance across the nation and within our community. We watched in horror as the events of Charlottesville, Virginia unfolded. Despite our greatest efforts to be inclusive, we are not immune to incidents of hate and bias. As former Superintendent Sabolinski stated in her June letter to the community, there was graffiti depicting swastikas at the three school complexes over the course of last year. These painful incidents are an affront to our core values and have caused us to take pause and engage in discussion about the culture we want in our schools. Our overarching goal is to ensure that each child and family is welcomed and safe in our schools. To that end we will be taking actions throughout this school year to meet this goal.

The Franklin Public Schools has been resolute in its enduring commitment to inclusive schools. Our Core Values speak to respecting the Dignity and Diversity of all individuals and cultures. This belief serves as a pillar of strong school climates and the foundation upon which we build a comprehensive educational experience for each student. We will not tolerate, accept or condone acts or speech that are hateful, racist, anti-semitic, xenophobic, homophobic, or gender-biased. We are, as a community, simply better than that.

In the coming school year, our schools will be engaging students in learning experiences that reinforce and promote acceptance and respect. lnclusivity will be a focus of our school and district goals, as reflected in the school and district improvement plans. Our pre-school and the elementary schools will address these issues through age-appropriate discussions and learning experiences through Responsive Classroom practices. The middle schools will be implementing A World of Difference program which promotes respect, acceptance, and inclusivity. The high school and middle schools will engage students in advisory lessons (and through the curriculum, where appropriate) that focus on topics such as the impact of hate, intolerance, bigotry, anti-semitism, and racism.

We invite parents to join us in our effort to eradicate hate from our school community and encourage you to talk with your children about the contents of this letter. Some helpful resources are as follows:

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tolerance.html

http://www.gse.upenn.edu/news/talking-children-after-racial-incidents

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/war-and-terrorism/promoting-compassion-and-acceptance-in-crisis

Franklin is a strong community. With your help, we can collectively nurture a learning environment where each child and family feels valued, safe, and respected.


Sincerely,

(view the signatures of Superintendent Sara E Ahern, members of the Central Office and all the principals in the PDF copy below)

Franklin High School

Phil Ochs Song Night at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Sep 16

Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, Reggie Harris, & Tom Prasada Rao perform.

View this email in your browser PHIL OCHS SONG NIGHT  featuring Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, Reggie Harris, & Tom Prasada Rao September 16th 8PM $25 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse starts our 28th season with a Phil Ochs Song Night on Saturday, September 16th at 8PM. Performers will include Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, Reggie Harris, & Tom Prasada-Rao.  Phil Ochs was an American protest singer and songwriter known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and 1970s and released eight albums. His best-known songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "Changes", "Crucifixion", "Draft Dodger Rag", "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", "Power and the Glory", "There but for Fortune", and "The War Is Over". Phil Ochs' sister, Sonny, will act as the master of ceremonies as the four singers interpret his songs. As the concert unfolds, these musicians will interact in the round and perform the songs of Ochs with some modern touches added to his 40-to 50-year-old material.  Expect to hear threads of gospel, R&B, jazz, folk, and pop woven into a memorable evening of virtuosity and heart.  The performers are some of the best singer-songwriters and musicians in today's urban folk lineup. Tom Prasada-Rao was born in Ethiopia of Indian parents, and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He's won multiple Washington area music awards and has established himself as a masterful guitar player with an R&B feel. He also plays violin, piano, and a guitar/sitar hybrid. Reggie Harris hails from Philadelphia and is a songwriter, a storyteller, and a lecturer. He has toured internationally for years with his wife Kim Harris. His songs echo the Civil Rights movement, Pete Seeger, and Bernice Johnson Reagon. His guitar is the rhythmic junction of all of these influences. Pat Wictor has lived all over the world and is much in demand as a studio musician on his passion, the slide guitar. He is one-third of the acclaimed trio Brother Sun. Wictor recently released a solo CD of Phil Ochs songs titled "This Is Absolutely Real: Visions and Versions of Phil Ochs." Greg Greenway is an international ambassador of the Boston folk scene. In addition to his instrumental expertise, he is a soulful and moving singer, and powerful poet. Greenway performs on guitar, piano and ukulele, and is another third of Brother Sun. Phil's songs are more relevant today than ever.  Please join us for an evening of powerful and uplifting music. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $25. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Oct 14       April Verch Band Oct 28       Christine Lavin & Don White Nov 4        Eric Schwartz Nov 18      Richard Shindell Dec 9        Winterbloom

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FHS fall sports seasons opens competition in soccer, golf, and field hockey

From HockomockSports we share the results of the competitive fall sports action for the FHS teams on Thursday, Sep 7:

Boys Soccer

Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final – 

North Attleboro twice erased a one-goal deficit and scored the game winner with just two seconds left to open the season with two points. Franklin senior Connor O’Rourke put the Panthers ahead in the sixth minute, finishing a shot from distance. North tied the game in the 28th minute when junior Joe Hilf put home a rebound on a corner kick. An own goal put Franklin back ahead but North Attleboro tied the match in the 61st minute. Senior Gabe Pinhancos broke through in alone on goal, touched around the keeper and finished into the net. Hilf scored the winner at the death, putting his shot at the back post with two seconds left.

Field Hockey

Franklin, 1 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final – 

Franklin freshman Victoria Quinn tied the game midway through the first half off an assist from freshman Amanda Lewandowski. FHS goalie Christina Luccini helped the Panthers preserve the tie with a stellar second half, making five her of nine saves in the second half. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper also praised the play of junior Cassi Ronan and senior defender Jolie Bua.

Golf

King Philip, 168 @ Franklin, 171 – Final – 

King Philip’s Danny McLaughlin was the medalist with a low-round of 37.

Girls Soccer

North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

"Franklin head coach Tom Geysen admitted he had concerns about his defense coming into the season, especially after graduating two Hockomock all stars. 

But in its first test of the season, and a tough one at that, the Panthers passed with flying colors, earning a 3-0 shutout over visiting North Attleboro. 

Junior Grace Gallo anchored the center of the defense with senior Molly O’Reilly and junior Maddie Stewart on the outside. While North was able to register 10 shots, only two were true tests for keeper Cat Robbins. 

“It was a good win, we’re young as far as experience goes and I thought we would be a be a little thin in certain areas but some kids stepped up a bit today that I wasn’t really anticipating,” Geysen said."

Continue reading the full game recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-opens-with-shutout-win-over-north-attleboro/

Game photo gallery by HockomockSports
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Franklin-North-Attleboro-Girls-Soccer-09-07-17/

For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-090717/

North Attleboro’s Ashlyn Gaulin and Franklin’s Molly O’Rielly battle for possession
 in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FHS's Cat Robbins recognized as "Player to Watch"

From HockomockSports we share the soccer "players to watch" which recognizes Cat Robbins from FHS.

CAT ROBBINS, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"Robbins had big shoes to fill when she stepped in between the posts last season, taking over for four-year starter Dani Lonati, but she quickly became one of the top shot stoppers in the Hock. Robbins allowed only nine goals and helped Franklin to another season with double-digit victories. She played every second of every game and finished 2016 with 11 clean sheets, allowing only 0.81 goals against per game. For her efforts, Robbins was named to the All-Eastern Mass. second team. She has the quickness and agility to make the big save and her leadership will be crucial to keeping the young Franklin defenders organized."

Continue to read about the girls soccer players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2017/

For the Boys soccer players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2017/

FHS Panthers

Lifelong Music Academy: Fall 2017 Registration Now Open!

We offer a variety of after-school music classes for students looking to enhance their musical education. Below is a brief overview of each of our music programs. 

Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

The Band School of Franklin: For students in grades 4 through 8. Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting 9/19/17.

The Chorus School of Franklin: For students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Tuesday afternoons at Franklin High School starting 9/19/17.

The String School of Franklin: For students in grades 3 through 12. Monday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting 9/18/17, and Thursday afternoons at Franklin High School starting 9/28/17.

Private Music Lessons: For all ages (children, teens, adults). Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School. Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Low Brass, Oboe, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Voice. Lessons begin the week of 9/11/17 but enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year.

Adult Community Chorus: The Franklin Forte is our non-audition performing Adult Chorus group, which meets Tuesday evenings at Franklin High School starting 9/19/17.

Music Together® (birth through 5 yrs): Our new music and movement class for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents. Fridays starting 9/15/17.


You can also go to the Lifelong Music Academy via this link to make your selection   http://franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/index.php

Lifelong Music Academy:
Fall 2017 Registration Now Open!

Take a walk on the Town Common - World Suicide Prevention Day - Sep 10

I wanted to send you this little flyer I made up for an informal event I'm trying to get started to bring awareness to World Suicide Prevention Day, which is Sunday 9/10/17. 

I am hoping to build a walk of greater magnitude for next year. Thanks for sharing!

World Suicide Prevention Day - Sep 10

For more info on the Worldwide Event https://iasp.info/wspd2017/

Downtown Partnership: Thursday's General Meeting will be a busy one!

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Thursday's General Meeting Agenda Join us at Thursday morning's General Meeting, 8:30 a.m. in Dean College's Campanella Board Room. The agenda is packed and the coffee is free! Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

“It was pretty wild. I didn’t expect it"

"Imagine waking up and finding a piece of your own artwork showing up as the first post you see on Twitter; then Instagram; then Facebook. Before you know it, you can’t scroll through your social media accounts without it showing up, gaining hundreds of retweets and reposts. 

Well, this is exactly what happened to Franklin High School senior, Emma Trinanes. Trinanes has been drawing her entire life, pulling from her parent’s encouragement to be creative. Inspired by her love for the New England Patriots, Trinanes decided to draw quarterback Tom Brady “back in February, [when] the Super Bowl was coming up. [She] figured it would be a good homage to [Brady]."

Continue reading the article online at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/09/05/meet-the-senior-whos-drawing-of-tom-brady-went-viral/

If you missed seeing the artwork earlier, here it is

Emma Trinanes sketch of Tom Brady that has attracted a lot of attention

This was originally posted in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/fhs-student-sketch-gathers-attention.html

FHS Volleyball outlook for 2017

Hockomock Sports has published their outlook for volleyball in the Hockomcok League. We share the Franklin information here. Follow the link below to find the outlook on the other teams around the league. 



2016 Record: 13-7
2016 Finish: Reached D1 Central/West Quarterfinal
Coach: Kate Horsmann

"After losing just four seniors to graduation, the Franklin Panthers return an experienced and deep team ready to make a run at the Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers bring back both of their middle hitters to anchor the attack and net defense. Senior Meaghan Maguire (42 blocks) is back for her third year while junior Maggie Doyle (57 kills) returns after a strong sophomore campaign. 

Franklin also brings back junior setter Lauren McGrath, who was selected as HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year last season. Ellie Wisniewski (63 kills) will be one of the team’s top offensive threats at outside hitter. 

“We are deep and have experience on offense this season,” said FHS coach Kate Horsmann. “Our floor leader and top defensive player graduated, so finding a floor leader and shoring up our defense will be a big factor in how our season plays out.”

Continue reading the Hockomock League Volleyball Outlook
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-volleyball-preview/

FHS Panthers

FHS's Ryan Driscoll tabbed as a "Player to Watch"

Hockomock Sports has published their outlook for Football players to Watch around the Hockomcok League. We share the Franklin information here. Follow the link below to find the outlook on the other players in the league. 


RYAN DRISCOLL, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Driscoll stepped into the lineup as a sophomore and started all 11 games at cornerback for the Panthers in 2016. He demonstrated the natural speed and instincts to be a top cover corner and second-year head coach Eian Bain said this his improvement from day one means that Driscoll will be one of the focal points of the Franklin defense this fall. With Driscoll and junior safety Nolan McLaney, the Panthers secondary should be a strength of the team for the next couple of seasons, as they try to shut down high-powered passing attacks like Mansfield, Taunton, and Attleboro.

Continue reading the Football payers to watch on Defense
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-defense-2017/


There is also a listing of the Football Players to watch on Offense
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-offense-2017/

FHS Panthers

Attention Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - West Nile Virus

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Franklin Health Department that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in South Franklin on August 30th. It is not unusual for West Nile Virus to be found in Norfolk County or Franklin this time of year. 

We do however urge residents to take common sense precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of mosquito activity; generally between dusk and dawn. The use of a repellent containing up to 30% DEET, permethrin or picaridin provides protection against mosquitoes. Permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin, but only used on clothing. We recommend that residents drain all standing water on their property. Birdbaths, buckets/pails, wheelbarrows and children’s inflatable pools all provide ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has suspended all truck-mounted spraying for the season due to cooler evening temperatures, which reduces mosquito activity significantly. It is expected that no additional spraying will be conducted unless the virus activity level changes considerably.

The Franklin Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor mosquito/virus activity in the town to ensure residents are provided with up to date information.

If residents have any questions, you may contact the Franklin Health Department office @ 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Director

Attention Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - West Nile Virus

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/news/public-health-advisory

BFCCPS: High School Fair - Sep 14

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is holding our annual High School Fair on September 14th from 7 - 8:30 pm. This event is open to all Grade 8 students and their parents in the area.

Guests will meet with representatives and students from a variety of private, independent and vocational high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island.

The list of schools that will be in attendance is included here on our website:

http://bfccps.org/join-us-for-the-2017-high-school-fair/

If you have any questions about the event, please contact our School Counselor, Mrs. Julie McCoy at jmccoy@bfccps.org.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

"promote inclusion through team practice and competition"

"This fall, Franklin High School will be introducing a Unified Basketball program. As defined by the Special Olympics website, Unified Sports “Brings together ATHLETES with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities (UNIFIED PARTNERS) to train and compete on the same team. Participants improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in Unified Sports. A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition. 

Franklin’s Unified program will meet two days a week after school, in addition to playing 4-6 games against other teams in the Hockomock League or other regional teams. The first practice is Wednesday, September 13th and the season goes until the end of October. 

“Last spring, Unified Track was very popular and we hope to continue that with Unified Basketball,” said senior Grace Sameski, who is helping with the program.

Continue reading the article on Unified Basketball at the Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2017/09/02/introducing-unified-basketball/

2017 Best Buddies Basketball Clinic (Pnatherbook image)

The Unified Basketball proposal was discussed and approved at the School Committee meeting held on Aug 22, 2017.

Other items from the School Committee meeting Aug 22 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/schools-are-ready-to-open-on-schedule.html